Denmark teen has an eye for fashion

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A recent Denmark High School graduate will take a message of empowerment and his eye for fashion to Parsons School of Design in New York this fall.

Kessler Vogel’s acceptance to the elite design school, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, is a huge recognition of the 18-year-old's talent and the skills he developed in an unlikely place — a small community in northeastern Wisconsin.

Over the years, the old computer room at his parents' home has gone through several incarnations as his interests developed. First it served to house the computer, then it was a music room where Vogel practiced piano. It now functions as a sewing room.

On the desk is a Singer sewing machine, a sewing kit decorated with colorful cats and various sketchbooks. In the corner is a burgundy dress mannequin wearing a gold and black prom dress that Vogel designed for a friend. A second prom dress hangs from a curtain rod.

“Ever since elementary school, I’ve always just loved art. I really didn’t start designing until maybe end of middle school (or early) high school,” Vogel said.

During the last two years he pursued private sewing classes with a teacher at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and took a sewing class at Denmark High School.

He used those skills to design and construct two prom dresses.

“Just seeing that people liked what I did boosted my confidence and my purpose to design,” he said.

'This has been his goal'

Heidi Linden, Denmark School District's now-retired family and consumer education teacher, has known Vogel for two years.

During Vogel’s senior year he took a fashion, clothing and textiles class with Linden.

“He came to me with a fairly good base knowledge (in sewing). He’s a little bit self-taught,” she said.

Linden mainly helped him with the finer points of sewing his designs.

“If you are going to construct a couture garment, it has to be just so,” she said.

Vogel also started a fashion club at the high school, Linden said.

“He seeks things out on his own. You don’t have to hold his hand or lead him,” she said. “This has been his goal. He’s worked for it … I think that’s truly incredible.”

The first piece he designed and sewed was a gold and black vest edged in artificial black fur. Since, he has worked his way up to women’s blouses and gowns.

Vogel prefers working with black and white colors.

“Black and white are eternal colors, so they will never really die in art or the fashion world,” Vogel said.

His work is influenced by other designers, including the late designer Alexander McQueen. Vogel also draws inspiration from singers and fashion icons such as Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.

He sees the clothes people wear as something personal.

“I would define my style as edgy chic, but when you design something and when it comes to life … it can make an impact on people’s lives. Fashion affects people’s lives every day,” he said.

Dream college

Vogel said he initially didn't have enough confidence in his skills to apply to Parsons. Eventually he applied to Parsons and two other schools.

Besides the standard essays, the Parsons application asked for a portfolio of 10 to 15 pieces of work he had created. Vogel's portfolio included samples of his photography, garments and drawings.

“I got into all of them. Parsons was the last one to let me know I got in,” Vogel said.

The school awarded him a scholarship that will amount to about $100,000 over four years. Vogel plans to major in fashion design and minor in photography.

“When I think of designing in general I would really like to empower women and just empower people,” he said.

He has seen firsthand how clothing can make people feel more confident in themselves.

“If they wear something that they like. They feel confident enough to do whatever they want,” Vogel said.Read more at:celebrity dresses